A local area enhancement programme and environmental improvement scheme has come to fruition in the Hilden area of Lisburn.  This project was managed by Lisburn City Council, local traders and the local community. 

Local businesses and the community grouped together in a self-build community project in order to improve shop-fronts, clean up the area and paint and upgrade buildings, with a colourful mural also now depicted at New Horizons Credit Union premises, with funding for this work provided by Island Arts Centre.  Businesses involved in the project included Vincent Dornan, Dornan’s Butchers, David Finlay, Hilden Pharmacy, George Anderson, Andersons Chip Shop, Giovanni & Phil Bellino, Spar and Robin Crawford, Local Property Owner. 

The project has received funding from the Council’s Economic Development Unit and from the Leisure Services Department, with match funding contributed from a number of local businesses in the area.

The scheme began during Councillor Jenny Palmer’s term as Chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee and it was she who proposed the programme.  The project has now concluded with the current Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart, seeing the completion of the improvements. 

Alderman Paul Porter in his role as Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee is associated with the overall scheme through the funding which has been provided through the Island Community Arts - Arts Encounters Programme.  This aspect of the overall project involved Hilden Youth Initiatives who worked with the appointed artists on the mural of Hilden Mill.

The three elected members went to the area on Saturday past and met several local community members to talk about the project; as well as inspecting the mural which is now in place, depicting Hilden’s past and present.

Speaking about the initiative Alderman Allan Ewart said: “There has been a lot of hard work done here and great community involvement in this project.  Everyone deserves credit and the area looks very well.  I would also like to convey credit to my colleague, Jenny Palmer, who set the ball in motion for this improvement scheme.”

Alderman Paul Porter said: “I am delighted that Leisure Services was able to help with funding for the mural, which provides a snapshot of the history of the Hilden area, especially the Barbour linen thread mill, which was a major employer in the area for many years and most local families will have some connection to Barbour Threads.  It is great to see such positive community spirit still thriving in the area.  Local shop owners had a say on the design of the mural and young people in the community had an involvement in the mural’s creation.”

Councillor Jenny Palmer, said: “This is a project which had a special interest for me and I am absolutely delighted to see it completed.  I would like to pay tribute to the community and to the Council for all the assistance provided.  It was an example of a partnership initiative that has been very successful because people worked together and shared not only a financial commitment but hands-on commitment.  The area looks so much brighter and better.  I was really glad to be a part of it.”

Trish McCormick from Hilden Community Association said,”This project has been a real community effort, with input from the self-build social enterprise project and community  volunteers, as well as a number of local traders who showed true commitment by donating their own money to the scheme. From overseeing the painting of the shops to preparations for the mural I would like to thank all of those who were involved in the project, with a special thank you going to Hilden Youth Initiative who designed the art which is now on the mural, reflecting the history and heart of the local community in the area.”